Department of Land and Natural Resources

DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
News Release

NEIL ABERCROMBIE GOVERNOR

WILLIAM J. AILA JR, CHAIRPERSON

For Immediate News Release August 27, 2014

AHU O LAKA NO ALCOHOL RULE IN PLACE
FOR LABOR DAY WEEKEND, Aug. 30 – Sept. 1
Rule Applies to Three-Day Holiday Weekends

HONOLULU – The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR) will enforce the state boating rule over the Labor Day holiday weekend, from Aug. 30 through Sept. 1 (Saturday, Sunday and Monday), that prohibits the possession, use or consumption of alcohol; loud, abusive or disorderly conduct; and the presence of persons under the influence of alcohol, narcotics or non-prescription drugs in an area designated as the Ahu o Laka safety zone (also known as the Kane‘ohe Sandbar) in Kane‘ohe Bay.

“The state continues to act in support public safety and respect for Ahu o Laka as a unique natural resource and cultural area,” said William J. Aila, Jr., DLNR chairperson. “We have listened to the concerns of families and responsible boaters in striking a balance that applies needed rules and enforcement to three summer holiday weekends, which were historically the times when there were larger crowds, and when drinking and unruly behavior caused more disturbances.”

DLNR Division of Conservation and Resources Enforcement officers will be present, patrolling both on the water and in He‘eia Kea small boat harbor in an effort to promote safe boating during the three-day weekend. 

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Under Hawai‘i Administrative Rules Chapter 13-256-73.13 Ahu o Laka Safety Zone, violations may be subject to a civil penalty of not more than $1,000 or less than $50 for each violation, in addition to administrative fines, fees, costs and damages. Persons cited will be processed administratively at a public meeting before the Land Board. Persons wishing to contest the infraction(s) may request a contested case hearing.

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Media Contact:
Deborah Ward
Public Information Specialist
(808) 587-0320